Dissertation
Using diffusion of innovation theory to explore factors influencing upper leadership's role in adopting creativity and innovation in the State of Maryland (SOM) public libraries
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Dec 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000287
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the role of stakeholder perceptions and participation in informal education programs for the purposes of identifying and finding solutions to potential resistance to implementing creative and innovative programs in the State Of Maryland (SOM) public libraries. Informal education organizations, such as libraries face a multitude of challenges that affect their sustainability. To survive in a changing global socio-economic environment and culture, leaders must be willing to change the scope of their services. Library leaders who want to provide relevant, sustainable service and strive for innovation, must also embrace inevitable change. One way to support and sustain change is to offer innovative education programs that serve the needs of their communities. However, such ideas can be faced with resistance when it comes to internal and external stakeholder involvement. The three literature streams from the research sought to identify what innovation looks like in informal education organizations, why stakeholders are resistant to innovation, and suggestions for overcoming the resistance. A mixed methods approach utilizing an Explanatory Sequential Design was used in this study where the data was collected in two phases with the first using survey data from The Situational Outlook Questionnaire which was administered to Maryland public library leaders to assess the perceived creative climate in the Maryland public libraries. This was then followed by interviews with select survey participants to gather qualitative information regarding research questions that looked at how innovation and communication are addressed in the Maryland public libraries when it comes to decision-making. The quantifiable data from the study found the creative climate in the Maryland public libraries overall is positive ; however, the qualifiable data hinted that while innovation is supported there is a need to understand 1) how change is communicated in the organization and 2) the stakeholders' perception of the organizational culture. The guiding theories that built the framework for this study are Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and Bridges' Transition Theory. These will be used in conjunction with study findings and research from the literature review to make recommendations to both the practice and opportunities for further study in the Maryland public libraries when it comes to implementing creative and innovative decisions. This study explains for library leaders the recommended actions needed in their organizations to influence the acceptance of creativity and the role communication plays in those decisions. Consideration for future research, including comparing a post pandemic creative climate, is offered.
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Details
- Title
- Using diffusion of innovation theory to explore factors influencing upper leadership's role in adopting creativity and innovation in the State of Maryland (SOM) public libraries
- Creators
- Jennifer L. Hopwood
- Contributors
- Joyce A. Pittman (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xii, 122 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014856047804721